Well, here it is! The month that reminds me how lucky I am to have received so much wonderful care thus far in my lymphoma journey. I’m incredibly thankful for all the research which has provided amazing treatments. What we need now, of course, is a cure!!
Because it’s Blood Cancer Awareness, we have multiple groups coming together to mark the month. Leukemia, Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, Hodgkins Lymphoma and other blood cancer patients. And the effort is international! That means, of course, there will be a fair amount of activity – perhaps much of it safely distant this year. Here’s what I know about events planned. If I’ve missed a group or an important event, please leave me a comment so I can correct the omission.
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS)
The LLS will be recognizing four leaders with national media awards for their efforts toward raising blood cancer awareness. They are Charlie Schlatter, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, Lila Javan/Climb to Cure, and TBS/TNT Networks. In addition, the LLS is sponsoring a “Turn It Red” campaign during September. Local landmarks such as the US Bank building in LA, pylons at LAX airport, and the Santa Monica Ferris wheel will be among them. Finally, they will be running a social media campaign to bring awareness and highlight the impact blood cancers have on our lives and communities. You can click HERE to navigate to the LLS site for more.
Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF)
The LRF will once again be sponsoring a Light It Red for Lymphoma program. They have many partners aiding their efforts nationally and internationally. Among the lighting partners are the Capital Wheel, Washington, DC; National Concert Hall, Dublin, Ireland; Taipei 101, Taipei, Taiwan; Niagara Falls; Governor’s House, Annapolis, MD; and One World Trade, New York, NY. Last year I put a string of red lights in one of my windows, too. I don’t think it was as impressive a display as those listed above, but they did spark conversation. The LRF will also be holding it’s annual gala on September 30 at which they will honor Leaders in Lymphoma. This year the honorees will be Dr. Christopher Flowers, Chair of Lymphoma/Myeloma Division of Cancer Medicine at MD Anderson and Kite Pharma. You can head HERE to get the scoop from the LRF.
International Myeloma Foundation (IMF)
The foundation is sponsoring a social media campaign around #knowmyeloma and #knowbloodcancer. To aid in getting the word out about myeloma during September, they have downloads available providing important facts, info about innovations in treatment, and inspirational stories you can use. Follow this LINK to the IMF.
MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndrome) Alliance
The MDS Alliance is doing a three part campaign called “Let’s talk about Blood Cancer.” It’s a social media effort, and they’re asking for your help. Learn more and check out their compelling graphics for posts HERE.
AGSchreibman.com 